While public attention is focused on border militarization, the Department of Homeland Security is quietly rolling out a new immigration policy that will force immigrants to make an impossible choice between meeting their basic needs and keeping their families in the United States. Immigrants are already penalized for receiving cash welfare when looking to apply for U.S. citizenship. The new proposal would expand the definition of what makes an immigrant a "public charge." Under the proposed rule, any use of programs like SNAP (food stamps), Health Exchange subsidies, Head Start, or even the Earned Income Tax Credit—would make previously legal immigrants—including DACA recipients--ineligible for a green card, and potentially subject to deportation. In short, the proposed rule would punish lawfully present families who attempt to access basic human needs like food and health care—including for their U.S. citizen children.

Although this change in the definition of “Public Charge” can be implemented without Congressional approval, our members of Congress can expose its cruelty, and public pressure can force the Administration to withdraw it. Feeding your kids should not be grounds for deportation.

Action: Ask our Members of Congress to speak out about DHS’ proposed change in the definition of “Public Charge”

Sample Script

“Hello! My name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [CITY, ZIP]. I’m calling about the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed redefinition of ‘Public Charge,’ making immigrants who use programs like SNAP, Head Start and the Earned Income Tax Credit ineligible for green cards, and deportable. Please speak out in support of low-income immigrants, and demand that the Administration withdraw this cruel policy change.”

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